“Fracked Ideologies” published at Science Progress

The use of high-volume hydraulic fracturing for natural gas drilling has ignited a fiery political debate. Advocates tout natural gas as a clean-burning, cheap, and abundant fuel that can boost economic growth and energy security. Detractors question these benefits and point to a host of risks, from water and air pollution to negative impacts on communities and property values. Interest groups—from America’s Natural Gas Alliance to the devotees of Josh Fox (the director of the popular anti-fracking documentary Gasland)—are marshaling their experts and evidence to sway policymakers in their preferred directions.